Staff

Andy Partin - Owner

Owner and founder of Impact Baseball, Inc. (est. 2001) and Dirtbags Baseball, LLC (est. 2002). Partin pioneered the Dirtbags baseball program to becoming one of the top and most recognizable in the country.

In 2001, Partin started Impact Baseball, Inc. and brought to life his idea of promoting high school baseball players through an online presence and on-field showcase events to help them reach the collegiate and professional levels of baseball. Since 2001, this innovator has become a trendsetter for other organizations to follow; setting trends like the Dirtbags renowned style and camoflauge uniforms worn for the first time in 2006.

Partin has seen over 900 alumni move on to college baseball and 204 go on to be drafted by MLB teams including 28 Big Leaguers. Partin piloted the Dirtbags to the 2016 and 2010 World Wood Bat Association “Jupiter” Championship crown bringing the rings home to North Carolina. He has also guided the Bags to eight IMPACT World Series titles and two WWBA National Runner-Up finishes. Partin has also seen five of his players be named MVP of WWBA events (Matt Graham, Hobbs Johnson, Philip Clake, Davis Schneider and Mason Hickman).

As a player, Partin starred under Tommy Blaylock at Durham Riverside high school before his baseball career was cut short by a severe bicep tendon tear, leading him to look for another way to stay involved in the game. Partin began coaching at 19 years old as an assistant at Riverside high school, where he coached for 3 years.

Partin spent 3 years as the head baseball coach at Forsyth Country Day School (2009-2011) where he guided the Furies to their first ever North Carolina State Championship in over 40 years in 2011, and a 3-A State Runner-Up finish in 2010 in only his second season. Partin’s State Championship team featured seven players that signed college scholarships with two players drafted. That team ended up hitting 62 homeruns as a team, breaking the North Carolina state record.

The Durham, NC native is a tremendous advocate of strength training for baseball players prompting him to become a Westside Barbell Special Strengths Coach in 2014. Partin spends much of the year training elite high school, college and professional players at his indoor training center in Burlington, NC.

Partin has worked previously with the Houston Astros, KC Royals and St Louis Cardinals.

This family man has dedicated the past 20 years of his life to helping young, aspiring baseball players reach their highest level.

More on Andy Partin:

Most Memorable Moment with the Dirtbags: Starting a trend for all of baseball by wearing camo uniforms for the first time in 2006 in Jupiter, FL at the WWBA. And watching the guys dog pile after winning the WWBA in Jupiter in October 2016 was awesome.

Would Like to Trade Places for a Day with: Conor McGregor on a UFC main event card

Favorite Music: All kinds

Favorite Website: Westside-Barbell.com

Favorite Book: Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek

Favorite Movie(s): Magnificent Seven

Favorite Actor: Denzel Washington

Favorite Actress: Rachel McAdams

Favorite MLB Team: Baltimore Orioles

Favorite College Basketball Team: Duke

Favorite Sports Figure: “The Notorious” Conor McGregor

Best Player Played With: Brian Roberts (Baltimore Orioles 2001-2013)

Best Player Coached: Tyler Hanover (LSU & Detroit Tigers MiLB player)

Favorite Quote: “Hard work trumps everything.” – Andy Partin

Advice to Players: The only person that can stop you is you. You can become whoever or whatever you want if you are willing to put in the work.

Trey Daly - General Manager

Daly helps lead the recruiting efforts with the Dirtbags. Always a player favorite, Daly brings a wealth of enthusiasm and knowledge to our program. The New Bern, NC native has been instrumental in the continued success of the Dirtbags through his leadership on and off the field.

Daly was named General Manager of the Dirtbags in January of 2018. Since Daly has joined the Dirtbag staff, he has coached at numerous levels of our program. Daly guided the Dirtbags 2020 class to a final eight finish in the 2017 Perfect Game National Championship.

During the spring season of High School baseball each and every year, you can find Daly at the ballparks in the North Carolina and South Carolina region. This is one of Daly’s biggest passion is the investment and dedication to our players and continued development throughout their Dirtbag’s careers.

In High School, Daly starred on the diamond for the New Bern Bears under legendary skipper Gary Smith. He then went on to receive his degree in Management of Parks and Recreational Facilities in 2008 from East Carolina University.

Daly began coaching in high school baseball in 2004 and coached until 2012. Through the eight year stint, he coached Junior Varsity, Varsity and Junior Legion.

Daly has been an associate scout with the Miami Marlins since 2016.

Daly’s thought of being involved with Dirtbags Baseball..

“I’ve been very fortunate to be in the right places at the right time. I can’t express the gratitude and appreciation to Andy Partin for giving me a chance to work with such a prestigious program. With that being said, I also have been surrounded by some great people/coaches while being with the Dirtbags. Life is all about surrounding yourself with quality people and to not mention Jacob Baker, Brent Haynes, Ryan Falcon & Roxann Markey would be unjustifiable”

Hobbies outside of baseball: Working out and enjoying other sports.

Most enjoyable Dirtbag moments: One game that stinks out to me is the win over Team Elite in the World Wood Bat Championship in Jupiter, Florida in 2015. Another one of the most enjoyable moments for me, is getting a phone call from a current Dirtbag that he has made a commitment to college baseball.

Advice to players: Keep your head down, work hard and put your best foot forward everyday. It will all work out in the end.

Roxann Markey - Secretary/Treasurer

Everett Hancock - Youth Director

DIRECTOR OF YOUTH TEAMS/PROGRAM

HIGH SCHOOL:

GRADUATE OF HAVELOCK HIGH SCHOOL (1998)

HELPED LEAD HHS TO 1998 3A STATE BASEBALL CHAMPIONSHIP, WHILE BEING NAMED MVP OF THE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

HOLDS SEVERAL PITCHING RECORDS AT HHS INCLUDING ERA IN SEASON (0.81), STRIKEOUTS IN A SEASON (158), AND WINS IN A SEASON (14).

COLLEGE:

EARNED D1 SCHOLARSHIP TO PITCH AT UNC-GREENSBORO (1999-2002)

LED UNCG IN INNINGS PITCHED AND GAMES STARTED IN 2000 AND 2001

PROFESSIONAL:

DRAFTED BY THE DETROIT TIGERS IN THE 2002 MLB DRAFT (28TH ROUND, 830TH PLAYER OVERALL)

COACHING:

SERVED AS ASSISTANT COACH AT RAGSDALE HIGH SCHOOL (2004-2010)UNDER COACH DONNIE MANESS HELPING GUIDE THE TIGERS TO THE 2006 3A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

SERVED AS ASSISTANT COACH AT FORSYTH COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL IN 2011 UNDER COACH ANDY PARTIN, HELPING GUIDE THE FURIES TO THE 3A PRIVATE SCHOOL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP!

HEAD COACH AT FORSYTH COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL AND NORTH FORSYTH HIGH SCHOOL

**WAS DIRECTOR OF INSTRUCTION AT THE HITTING ZONE IN WINSTON SALEM, NC PRIOR TO JOINING THE DIRTBAG STAFF

Married Lindsay Hancock, with two children Owen (8), Jaxon (4).

Brent Haynes - Player Development

High School: Graduated from Southern Alamance High School. Was a two time all-state selection and conference player of year as a senior. Won a State Championship in 2005 and was named MVP of State Championship Series.

College: Went to Young Harris College before transferring and finishing at Mount Olive College. Was selected conference pitcher of week on two occasions and helped Mount Olive make an NCAA regional appearance during junior and senior seasons.

Coaching: Pitching coach at Guilford Tech Community College for two seasons (2010-2012). Guided pitching staff to school records in wins, strikeouts and team ERA. Was pitching coach for the Thomasville Hi-Toms of the Coastal Plains League in the summer of 2012. Left GTCC to become a PE teacher at EM Holt Elementary in Burlington, NC. Has been an assistant coach at Southern Alamance High School since 2012 and coaching with the Dirtbags since 2013.

More on Coach Haynes:

Born: August 24, 1987 in Burlington NC

Family: Married to Chantal with one son, Harrison.

Hobbies Outside of Baseball: Spending time with family, playing golf, and watching sports.

Most Memorable Moment with the Dirtbags: Most memorable moment with the Dirtbags came as a player in 2005 when we went to Jupiter and came in 3rd place. Not only did we have a great team but we formed friendships that are still in place today!

Would Like to Trade Places for a Day with: Clayton Kershaw

Favorite Music: Country

Favorite Website: ESPN

Favorite Book: Beyond Belief: Finding the Strength to Come Back by Josh Hamilton

Favorite Movie(s): For Love of The Game, Major League, and Never Back Down

Advice to Players: Work hard (even when nobody is watching), Compete, and have fun!

Ryan Falcon - Player Development

Ryan Falcon is the Dirtbags Director of Player Development.

Falcon was a four-time All-Conference pick and a two-time All-State pick in North Carolina at Northern Durham high school. Falcon also excelled on the football field as a quarterback for the Knights.

The southpaw made an immediate impact at the University of North Carolina-Greensboro where he is still in the top five in several pitching categories including ERA and strikeouts.

Falcon went on to become a Cape Cod League All-Star and then drafted by the Texas Rangers in 2007 in the 29th round. He was tabbed a Northwest League All-Star, and pitched through to AA with the Rangers.

In the summer of 2011, Falcon worked as the Assistant Coach with the Edinburg Roadrunners of the Independent Professional North American League in Edinburg, TX.

Falcon is also an active associate scout with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

More on Coach Falcon

Born: August 27,1984 in Durham,NCHobbies Outside of Baseball: Spending Time with Family, Working out, Watching and Debating SportsMost Memorable Moment with Dirtbags: Just seeing how well the players and staff get along with each otherFavorite Music: Country when relaxing, Rock and Rap when I’m working outFavorite Book: Quiet Strength by Tony DungyFavorite Website: uncgspartans.com, thedirtbags.comFavorite Movie(s): Rudy, The RookieFavorite Actor: Vince VaughnFavorite MLB Team: Texas RangersFavorite NFL Team: Giants and PanthersFavorite College Team: Duke Blue Devils, UNCG SpartansFavorite Sports Figure: Mike Krzyzewski

Brendan Dougherty - Director, SC

Dougherty spent the last 4 seasons at Western Kentucky University, he helped produce one of the top offenses in the country in 2014 while aiding a defense that sported a .965 fielding percentage. WKU finished the regular season with the seventh most doubles in the nation (116) while ranking 18th in the country with 560 hits, 26th with a slugging percentage of .416 and 31st with a team batting average of .294. As a team, the Hilltoppers collected 10 or more hits in 31 games and out-hit their opponents on 37 occasions and five players finished with a batting average of .300 or better.

Dougherty experienced success at the highest level as an assistant at Coastal Carolina, as the Chanticleer’s made five consecutive trips to the NCAA Tournament, including a berth in the Super Regionals in both 2008 and 2010. Also winning 5 Consecutive conference regular season and tournament championships along with a perfect conference record of 29-0 in 2010.

Before making the move to Coastal Carolina, Dougherty spent a pair of seasons as an assistant coach at Army. During Dougherty’s stay, the Black Knights won the Patriot League title and advanced to the NCAA Regionals. In Dougherty’s first year at West Point, he helped second baseman Nate Stone to an All-America honor from the American Baseball Coaches’ Association, becoming the first Army player in 40 years to accomplish that feat.

Before Army, Dougherty spent the 2003 season at Auburn, working with the Tigers’ infielders, outfielders and catchers, while assisting with bunting and baserunning and helped Auburn to a #4 National Seed.

Dougherty began his coaching career at Elon University, spending four years as the Phoenix’s hitting instructor and recruiting coordinator. During his time at Elon, Dougherty coached six all-conference performers and helped the Phoenix to their first NCAA Regional appearance in 2002.

Dougherty played two seasons at Coastal Carolina (1996-97), hitting .287 with 40 RBI in 104 games, playing mainly at shortstop, setting Coastal Carolina’s single-season and career records for assists. Dougherty received his degree in interdisciplinary studies from Coastal Carolina in 1998.

Before Coastal Carolina, Dougherty played at Potomac State Junior College, where he posted a .370 career batting average and was a third team All-American in 1994. He was named a National Junior College Athletic Association All-American the following year, while helping the school to a national championship. He also was named to the Junior College World Series All-Tournament team that season. Dougherty was inducted into the Potomac State Athletic Hall of Fame in the spring of 2008.

More on Coach Dougherty:

Born: October 13, 1974 – Dover, DE

Family: Wife: Jonna & Kids: Cruz 6, Knox 4

Hobbies Outside of Baseball: Spending time with family

Most Memorable Moment with the Dirtbags: Winning 2016 PGWWBA World Championship and not being there due to getting sick!

Would Like to Trade Places for a Day with: Pete MacKanin, Manager Philadelphia Phillies

Favorite Music: Reggae

Favorite Website: mlb.com

Favorite Book: Lone Survivor

Favorite Movie(s): Young Guns

Favorite Actor: Mark Wahlberg

Favorite Actress: Megan Fox

Favorite MLB Team: Philadelphia Phillies

Favorite NFL Team: Philadelphia Eagles

Favorite College Basketball Team: None

Favorite Sports Figure: Pete Rose

Favorite Quote: “The environment may change but the act does not. Control what you can control”

Best Player Played With: Mike Duvall, LHP 4 MLB Seasons

Best Player Coached: Hard to name one: Tommy LaStella, Rico Noel, Taylor Motter, Anderson Miller, David Anderson, David Sappelt.

Advice to Players: Someone is always watching you regardless if you think they are or not. Play everyday like your hair is on fire and the rest will take care of itself.

Jon Walker - Director, VA

Jon Walker is Virginia Director for Dirtbags Baseball

High School: Graduated from George Washington High School in Danville, Va. Was named District Player of the Year as a Junior and Senior, Region Player of the year as a Junior, Metro Player of the year as a Senior. Walker toted a 24-1 record as a high school pitcher.

College: Attended Campbell University on a baseball scholarship in 2005, in which he threw 50 innings as a freshman at Campbell. Walker transferred to Averett University in 2006 and finished his playing career with the Cougars.

Coaching: Upon graduation from Averett University, Walker was offered the pitching coach/recruiting coordinator job at 22 years old. Coached and mentored by former pro, Ed Fulton, Walker spent 5 seasons at Averett learning from Fulton before stepping down to pursue travel baseball full-time. Walker coached 16 all conference players during his time at Averett. Coaching at Averett, working various camps around the region and developing relationships with college coaches is what led Walker in to travel baseball.

In 2010, Jon Walker started the Virginia Reds travel baseball organization. Mostly comprised of local Southern Virginia players, the teams competed up and down the East Coast. Coach Walker grew the Virginia Reds to 14 teams ranging from ages 9U-17U. Walker is also the Owner/Operator of Elite Performance Academy, LLC- a 20,000 square foot indoor baseball training facility. Coach Walker and staff train 125 players a week at the indoor facility. Walker states that his biggest accomplishment with the Virginia Reds has been assisting 78 of his players to go on to play NCAA Baseball.

More on Jon Walker:

Born: November 10, 1986 – Hollywood, Florida

Family: Wife-Meredith, Son-Easton, Golden Retriever-Natty

Hobbies Outside of Baseball: Spending time with family, playing golf, landscaping

Would Like to Trade Places for a Day with: Any MLB manager would be fun!

Advice to Players: Athletes can only truly control two things on the field: Attitude and Effort. You better bring them both each and every day. Also, I preach to my guys that if you want to be a D1 baseball player you better have a D1 work ethic. If you don’t know what that is, find a good D1 player and follow him around the gym for a few days. It’s really hard to be really good.

Eric Leary - Team Director

Eric Leary is the Team Director of the Dirtbags Baseball program.

“I’m pleased to introduce Eric Leary as our Team Director,” stated Dirtbags owner and founder Andy Partin. “Eric is a tremendous person with outstanding leadership and communication skills. He will help pilot our teams and offer a new and inspiring element of direction. Eric has been involved with the Dirtbags from the beginning and he truly understands the core values and the vision of our program and he will help deliver them efficiently to our staff. Our team is excited to work along-side Eric and we look forward to benefiting from all he has to bring to the program.”

Eric Leary has over 20 years of coaching experience at the high school level in baseball and football as well as being an assistant coach at Barton College from 1992-1994.

Leary has been published in the American Baseball Coaches Associations Coaching Digest. He is currently an associate scout with the New York Mets and was an associate scout with the Major League Scouting Bureau from 2004-2016.

More on Coach Leary:

Born: Elizabeth City, NC – Feb 18, 1972

Family: Wife Tracy, daughter Dailey Rae (15), son Jack (11)

Hobbies Outside of Baseball: football, cutting grass

Most Memorable Moment with the Dirtbags: Being there from the start – that early trip in 2003 to Jupiter with players like Adam Warren, Chad Flack, Josh Horton, etc.

Would Like to Trade Places for a Day with: Andy Partin

Favorite Music: classic rock

Favorite Website: ESPN.com

Favorite Book: books by Jon Gordon & all the Pat Conroy books

Favorite Movie(s): Bull Durham

Favorite Actor: Jack Nicholson

Favorite MLB Team: Baltimore Orioles

Favorite NFL Team: Baltimore Colts (then they moved)

Favorite College Basketball Team: Like them all in March

Favorite Sports Figure: Cal Ripken Jr

Favorite Quote: Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant … Mark 10:43

Best Player Played With: Jeff Piscorik

Best Player Coached: Kendric Burney

Advice to Players: Be right. Be your best. Be a great teammate.

Jacob Baker

Baker is a Dirtbags alumni playing under Andy Partin. He graduated from Garner Magnet High School in 2010 where he was a two-time all-conference and an all-state selection his senior year as a pitcher for the Trojans. Baker played one season at East Carolina University before transferring to Pitt Community College where the Bulldogs won a Region X title. He then transferred to play his final two collegiate seasons at Elon University, where he earned a degree in Secondary Social Studies Education.

Baker began his coaching career as a pitching coach for the Eastern Alamance Eagles in 2015 where he spent one season and is now in his second year at Garner Magnet High School.

“Bake” began coaching with the Dirtbags in 2015.

More on Coach Baker:

Born: August 15, 1991 in Raleigh, NC

Family: Single

Hobbies Outside of Baseball: Playing golf, basketball, guitar and teaching History at Garner High School.

Most Memorable Moment with the Dirtbags: Making it to the championship game of the 16U PG World Series in 2016.

Would Like to Trade Places for a Day with: Trey Daly

Favorite Music: Country

Favorite Website: Elonphoenix.com

Favorite Book: Green Eggs and Ham

Favorite Movie(s): Anchorman, The Internship

Favorite Actor: Will Ferrell

Favorite Actress: Jennifer Lawrence

Favorite MLB Team: Yankees

Favorite NFL Team: Panthers

Favorite College Basketball Team: NC State

Favorite Sports Figure: Jackie Moon

Favorite Quote: “You are what you repeatedly do; therefore, excellence is not an act, but a habit.”

Best Player Played With: Carlos Rodon

Best Player Coached: Angel Zarate

Advice to Players: Trust the process. You will never regret working harder than anyone else; regardless if you win or not.

Andrew Cook

Andrew Cook is currently a Middle School PE teacher in Brunswick County, NC where he coaches football,basketball, track, and baseball. He was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland before coming to North Carolina and attending North Carolina A&T on a full scholarship for baseball. He has coached baseball at the middle school, high school, and collegiate level.

Favorite Quote: “I hated every minute of training, but I said, ‘Don’t quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.’”- Muhammad Ali

Zach Bingham

Zach Bingham played baseball at Harnett Central High School. After High School, he moved on to play at Lenoir CC. After his freshman season he transferred to Guilford Tech. Zach finished up his degree at UNC-Pembroke. Coach Bingham is currently the head baseball coach at Overhills High School.

Favorite music: Country

Favorite singer: Chris Knight

Favorite movie: 61

Favorite actor: Mark Wahlburg

Favorite actress: Scarlett Johansson

Favorite College Team: UNC

Favorite quote: Hard work beats talent when talent refuses to work hard

Justin Calliham

Justin Calliham was a four-year-starter in Centerfield at Myrtle Beach (SC) High School and ranked among Perfect Game’s Top 150 players in the class of 2000. He signed with Duke University and spent two years in Durham before transferring to University of South Carolina, where a succession of injuries ended his playing career. Justin has coached high school baseball at Stratford High School (Goose Creek, SC) and Cardinal Newman School (Columbia, SC). In 2017, he led Cardinal Newman to an appearance in the SCISA AAA State Championship Series. Justin also serves as an Associate Area Scout for the St. Louis Cardinals.

Tyler Drew

Tyler Drew is a Fayetteville, NC native where he played high school baseball at Jack Britt for Coach Sam Guy. After high school, Drew continued his baseball career at Southeastern CC in Whiteville, NC. While at Southeastern CC, Drew was an Academic All-American and apart of the 2011 team that made an appearance in the JUCO World Series. Drew earned his degree in Exercise Science from UNC-Wilmington and is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist from the NSCA. Drew has previously coached at EA Laney HS and has been the pitching coach/recruiting coordinator at Southeastern CC. Drew is currently a Math Teacher and pitching coach at Southern Lee HS.

Nicholas Freijomil

Nicholas Freijomil grew up in Franklinville, NJ, about 30 minutes outside of Philadelphia. Coach Freijomil played three sports my whole life (baseball, basketball, and soccer). Two time 1st Team All-Conference pitcher and shortstop. Went on to play four years of Division I baseball at LIU-Brooklyn in New York City as a pitcher. Received a bachelors in Health Science. Current Doctor of Physical Therapy Student at Duke University. Hopefully will go on to work for a professional sports organization (ideally MLB).

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Hobbies outside of baseball: playing fortnite, going down the shore, hanging out with friends, watching sports

Adam Morrison

Coach Morrison is 23 years old and from Clayton, NC. He graduated from West Johnston High School in 2013, where he was a member of the baseball team and wrestling team for four years. After high school, Adam attended Wake Tech CC where he earned an A.A. degree and played baseball; helped lead WTCC to 49 wins over two years. After WTCC, he decided to hang up the cleats to attend UNCW where he earned a B.S. degree in Health and Physical Education. Since graduating, he has spent time as a Health and PE teacher at Kernersville Elementary and is currently a Special Needs teacher at Cleveland High School. At CHS he serves as the JV Baseball coach and Assistant Varsity Baseball Coach.

Outside of baseball, he enjoys spending time at the beach, hunting, and fishing with my friends.

More on Coach Morrison:
Favorite Music: Country and Rock

Favorite Movie: The Wolf of Wall Street

Favorite Actor: Will Ferrell

Favorite Actress: Jennifer Aniston

Favorite website: youtube.com

Favorite Book: Beyond Belief – Josh Hamilton

Favorite MLB Team: Chicago Cubs

Favorite College Program: NC State

Favorite NFL Football Team: Carolina Panthers

Favorite Quote: “You can’t have a million-dollar dream with a minimum-wage work ethic.” – Stephen Hogan

Chris Strange

Coach Strange has been on a baseball field for as long as he can remember; and he still learns something every time he goes. He was born and raised in Norfolk Va. and attended Rock Academy in Virginia Beach, Va. Strange attended Gardner-Webb University and Norfolk State University as a LHP, after which he joined the family business doing Restaurant Design and Consultation. He began coaching in 2007 at Cary Christian School and joined The Cary Bulls of American Legion Post 67 from 2008 thru 2015 winning State Championships in ‘08 &’12.

In 2010; He began working on hitting with Clay Council and began teaching both pitching and hitting in 2011-present.
His company is Strange Concepts LLC and he analyze issue and offer different ways of seeing things.

Jared Kehagias

Jared Kehagias graduated from Southern Lee High School in 2013 and attended North Carolina Central University where he played baseball for the Eagles. Kehagias will be graduating in June with a Pharmaceutical Sciences degree and looking to work in either sales or research and development.

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Hobbies outside of baseball: love watching all university of Michigan sports teams as well as all Detroit professional sports teams

Eric Rice

Former Head Varsity Baseball Coach at Southeast Raleigh Magnet High School. Prior to becoming Head Coach, he was volunteer assistant coach for the Varsity team. He is also a graduate of Shaw University (04’) and was a two (2) year Captain on the baseball team. He won a CIAA Championship (02’) and played professional in Koln, Germany for the Cologne Cardinals (05’).

Favorite Quote: If you don’t stand for something, you will fall for anything.

Cameron Falcon

Coach Falcon had a brilliant four-year playing career as a right-handed pitcher at Wingate University where he helped lead the Bulldogs to a regular season SAC Championship his junior year as well as a SAC tournament title and a NCAA Regional appearance his senior season. He was named to the All-Tournament Team his senior season.

Falcon graduated in 2011 from Wingate University with a BS in Sports Management.

Before attending Wingate, Falcon was an All-Conference performer on the diamond for the Knights at Northern Durham High School.

Russell Haynes

Coach Russell Haynes works at Berkshire Corp as a Production Supervisor/Planner and has been with them for 12 years. He also own B&H Trophies which has been in his family for 50 years. He graduated from North Carolina State University. Haynes is the father of Team Director Brent Haynes and also has two more children.

Haynes played at Cummings High School and was the Head Baseball Coach at Burlington Christian Academy for three years. He also umpires High School baseball and has been doing that now for nine years.

More on Russell Haynes:

My favorite music – beach music and classic rock

My favorite movie – Animal House & Silver Streak

My favorite actor – Clint Eastwood

My favorite actress – Jennifer Anniston

Hobbies include watching whatever my grandkids do now & live music venues.

Todd Griffin

Coach Todd Griffin originates from Weaverville, NC, where he played baseball at North Buncombe High School under the direction of Wesley King. While attending North Buncombe, Todd made playoff appearances every year along with making it to the 2012 3A State Semifinals. After graduation he attended Mars Hill University, where he played one season before a career ending shoulder injury. He is currently heading into his third season as the pitching coach back at North Buncombe.

Hobbies: Baseball, playing golf, going to Tennessee football games, and watching any kind of sport.

Would like to trade places for a day with: Jordan Spieth

Favorite music: Country

Favorite Singer: Kenny Chesney

Favorite Movies: Glory Road, Remember the Titans, Dumb and Dumber, For Love of the Game

Favorite Actor: Will Ferrell

Favorite MLB Team: Atlanta Braves

Favorite College Team: Tennessee

Favorite Sports Figure: Michael Jordan

Favorite Quote: “Good things don’t come to those that wait, good things come to those who work their tails off and never give up”

Will Inman

William Inman is a graduate from Tunstall High School. While there he played four varsity seasons and earned two state championships. During this time he was able to rack up 598 strikeouts, 31 home runs, a career ERA of 0.42, and also was named player of the year in the state of Virginia for three years. (2003-2005)

He was committed to Auburn University out of high school but passed on the opportunity after being drafted in the 3rd round (87th) by the Milwaukee Brewers as a pitcher. He went straight to professional baseball in 2005 and played in the Milwaukee organization until 2007 when he was traded to the San Diego Padres. He was with the Padres organization until 2012 when he signed as a free agent to the Boston Red Sox. After that he then signed as a free agent with the Tampa Bay Rays.

Career Highlights
– All time strikeout leader in Virginia.
– 2004 and 2005 state champion for Tunstall High School
– Played in Futures game in 2008
– Won 3 minor league titles with San Antonio Missions (2007) , Pawtucket Red Sox (2012), Durham Bulls (2013)
– Class A Pitcher Of The Year in 2006.
– 9 year MLB professional player, 5 in Triple-A

Inman is currently the head coach at the Carlisle School (VA).

More on Coach Inman:

Born: February 6, 1987 in Danville, VA

Family: Wife Allison and daughter Avery

Hobbies Outside of Baseball: Spending time with family and going to concerts

Most Memorable Moment with the Dirtbags: Watching Andy get thrown out of a game within 5 minutes.

Would Like to Trade Places for a Day with: John Frusciante

Favorite Music: Ryan Bingham

Favorite Website: Amazon.com

Favorite Book: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

Favorite Movie(s): The Departed

Favorite Actor: Robert Downey Jr.

Favorite Actress: Meryl Streep

Favorite MLB Team: Boston Red Sox

Favorite NFL Team: Patriots

Favorite College Basketball Team: Duke

Favorite Sports Figure: Usain Bolt

Favorite Quote: “For me it’s important to be balanced. Not to let fear get in the way of things, to not worry so much about protecting yourself all the time.” – John Frusciante

Best Player Played With: Ryan Braun

Best Player Coached: Bradley Keller

Advice to Players: Play the game hard because you never know who is watching. Also learn to take in information and apply to your set of skills on the field.

Will James

James was a two time All-Conference pitcher for DH Conley High School in Greenville, NC. He was named the Conference Pitcher of the Year in 2008 and 2009 as well as the Pitt County Pitcher of the Year in 2009. After high school, James attended Guilford College where he starred in multiple roles for the Quakers for four seasons and earned the team’s Most Valuable Pitcher Award in 2011 and 2012. James earned the ODAC “pitcher of the week” honor in 2011 and named honorable mention on three separate occasions. Upon conclusion of his college career in 2013, James ranked among the Quaker’s all-time leaders in innings pitched and appearances. James competed in both the Southern Collegiate and Beach Collegiate Baseball League while in college. He was awarded the Cy Young Award in the BCBL in 2012 posting a 2.11 ERA in 59 2/3 innings while leading his team to the title.

Joe Lebeda

Coach Joe Lebeda enters his second season with the Dirtbags. Lebeda was a graduate of Sanderson High School in 1993. After graduation Joe moved on to play baseball at Louisburg College and later earned his Business Management degree from UNC-Greensboro in 1997.

Coach Lebeda has coached many levels of baseball since 1997, including a state championship team in 2008. We’re excited to have Joe on board with the experience he brings to our program.

More on Joe Lebeda:

Born: April 18, 1975 in Chicago, Illinois

Hobbies: Live Music, Disc Golf, Movies

Favorite Music: Allman Brothers, Family Band and Robert Randolph

Favorite Pet: Dog Pena

Favorite Team: Chicago Cubs

Favorite Sport Figure: Tony Pena

Phil Maier

Maier spent 11 years coaching college baseball. He coached four years at his alma mater, University of Wisconsin-Parkside and spent the last seven years as the pitching coach and recruiting coordinator at High Point University. His 2007 staff broke the school strike out record and he helped six H.P.U. hurlers go on to professional baseball. Maier worked with three All-American’s and 11 All-Conference players while at High Point University

Jere Morton IV

Coach Morton is originally from Cary, NC. Morton pitched at Lenoir Community College. Morton has coached on the American Legion, Babe Ruth, Showcase, and Collegiate levels since 2008. He has been a baseball instructor at the USA Baseball National Training Complex since 2015. Morton has an undergraduate degree from NC State in Sports Management and a Masters Degree from UNC-Charlotte in Special Education. Morton has taught and coached at Broughton HS in Raleigh since 2014. He and his wife, Brooke, reside in Fuquay-Varina with their daughters Malaney and Brookelynn.

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Hobbies: Cooking out, concerts, NC State football games, spending time with family and friends

Would like to trade places for a day with: Trey Daly

Favorite Music: Country

Favorite Singer: Eric Church

Favorite Movies: Con Air, Field of Dreams, Bull Durham

Favorite Actor: Adam Sandler

Favorite MLB Team: Oakland A’s

Favorite College Team: NC State

Favorite Sports Figure: Philip Rivers

Favorite Quote: Never Give Up

Dallas Newton

High School: Graduated from Southeast Guilford High School in Greensboro, NC. Was All Conference Junior and Senior Year. Was an All American Honorable Mention (Atlantic – All Region 2nd Team).

College: Went to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Then, transferred to Pitt Community College in Winterville, NC. At Pitt Community College was a 2nd Team Region X.

Professional: Drafted by the Arizona Diamondback in 2013. Played professional baseball for 5 seasons with them.

Coaching: This is the 2nd year coaching with the Dirtbags. Coached 2 years with Southeast Guilford Middle School baseball.

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Hobbies Outside of Baseball: Spending time with family and friends and watching other sports.

JD Poetzsch

JD Poetzsch is a native of Raleigh and a product of Sanderson High School. He is entering his 5th year with the baseball program at Southern Alamance High School. JD is the proud husband to Liz Poetzsch and the pup daddy of Forrest.

Favorite music: Country

Favorite band: The Avett Brothers

Favorite movie: Bull Durham

Favorite actor: Christian Bale

Favorite actress: Jennifer Aniston

Favorite College Team: NC State

Favorite sports figure: Cal Ripken Jr, Muggsy Bogues

Favorite quote: If you’re not practicing, someone else is, somewhere, and he’ll be ready to take your job- Brooks Robinson

Jeremy Repka

Coach Jeremy Repka enters his first season with the Dirtbags. Coach Repka played his prep baseball at Saint John Paul II High School in Boca Raton, Florida. Upon graduation he attended Greensboro College where he was a member of the Pride baseball team. Coach Repka also recieved his BS in Exercise Science and Coaching in 2011 from Greensboro College. Repka has been the Head Baseball Coach at Neuse Charter School located in Smithfield, North Carolina since 2012.

John Eberle

John Eberle was born and raised in Sylvania, Ohio. He moved to North Carolina in 2001 and currently lives in Pittsboro, NC. Eberle is married to his wife Amanda and has 4 kids, Blake, Courtney, Everett and Eliza. He’s currently the Owner/President of Pro Set Basketball Goal Installations. Coach Eberle has a Bachelor in Business Administration from Adrian College (Adrian, MI).

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Hobbies outside of baseball:Hanging out with my family. Watching my Indians, Browns, Cavs, Buckeyes and Wolfpack

Favorite Music: Literally everything, depends on the mood

Favorite Movie: Star Wars Franchise

Favorite Actor: Denzel Washington

Favorite Actress: Sandra Bullock

Favorite website: Orange and Brown Report

Favorite Book: The Fourth Turning: An American Prophecy by William Strauss & Neil Howe

Favorite MLB team: Cleveland Indians

Favorite College team: 1. The Ohio St University 1a. NC State University

Favorite NFL team: Cleveland Browns

Favorite Quote: “Ability is what your capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it ~Lou Holtz

Jason Rice

As a player Rice spent 4 years with Chicago White Sox organization, 3 years with Boston Red Sox, 1 year with Oakland A’s and Cleveland Indians and 2 years with Atlanta Braves. In winter-ball Rice played with Mayaguez in Puerto Rico and Hermosillo in Mexico. The California native now has 5 years of coaching experience.

Most Memorable Moment with the Dirtbags: Watching Spencer Brickhouse’s towering homerun in a Dirtbags win at High Point University.

Would Like to Trade Places for a Day with: Ken Griffey, Jr.

Favorite Music: Hip-Hop

Favorite Website: MLB.com

Favorite Book: The Boys of Summer

Favorite Movie(s): Fast and Furious, 42

Favorite Actor: Denzel Washington

Favorite Actress: Roselyn Sanchez

Favorite MLB Team: Angels

Favorite NFL Team: Chargers

Favorite College Basketball Team: Celtics

Favorite Sports Figure: David Ortiz

Favorite Quote: “The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a person’s determination.” – Tommy Lasorda

Best Player Played With: Anthony Rizzo

Advice to Players: Always play with passion.

Chad Rothlin

Chad is entering his 3rd year of coaching with the Dirtbags. Rothlin is a Dirtbags alumni that graduated Fred T. Foard High School in Hickory, NC. At FTFHS, Chad was an All-Conference player in 2007 and 2008, including 2 conference championships. His senior season he finished 8-1 with 104 strikeouts and only 7 walks. Rothlin’s collegiate career was spent with the Charlotte 49ers, where he pitched for 4 years as both a starter and reliever. The Niners won 2 conference championships during that time, including a trip to the Tempe, AZ Regional in 2007. Rothlin ended his career at Charlotte with 12 wins and the 11th best batting average against in school history, with opponents hitting only .255 against him. Rothlin is currently an Exceptional Children’s Teacher at his alma mater Fred T. Foard, and coaches alongside Andy Partin with the Dirtbags.

Phillip Russ

A native of Polkville, North Carolina, Coach Russ enters his third year at Bessemer City High School as the Head Baseball Coach.

A 2007 graduate of Burns High School, Coach Russ played football, baseball and wrestled. He was a member of the Cherryville Post 100, 2007 NC American State Championship team that placed third in the Southeast Regional tournament. He played football on scholarship during his time at Catawba College.

Coach Russ has coached for the North Carolina Powerade State games representing Region 6. During his time coaching Region 6, he assisted the 2016 team that went on to win the Gold medal.

Hobbies Outside of Baseball: Hunting, Fishing, Watching Sports, Spending time with family

Favorite Music: Country

Favorite Website: ESPN / Bleacher Report

Favorite Movies: For the Love of the Game, Never Back Down, Summer Catch, Field of Dreams

Favorite Actor: Kevin Costner

Favorite MLB Team: Boston Redsox

Favorite NFL Team: Dallas Cowboys

Favorite Sports Figure: David Ortiz

Eddie Tisdale

Jordan Young

Coach Jordan Young is from Garner, NC where he played baseball at Garner High School under coach Derik Goffena after graduation he attended Brunswick Community College. He is now in his second year as an assistant coach for Garner High School.

Hobbies: baseball, softball, golf, hunting, fishing, and working on cars

Would like to trade places for a day with: Dale Earnhardt JR.

Favorite music: Country

Favorite singer: Justin Moore

Favorite movies: The Natural, Bull Durham, Tin Cup, Super Troopers

Favorite actor:Matthew McConaughey

Favorite MLB Team: Atlanta Braves

Favorite College Team: N.C. State

Favorite Sports Figure: Chipper Jones

Favorite Quote: There may be people with more talent than you, but there is no excuse for anyone to work harder than you do

Chandler Davis

High School: Gradated from Virginia High school in Bristol, VA. Was named all district player 3 years in a row, all region and all state for two years. Won a state championship in 2014.

Went on to catch at Radford University in 2015 and was lucky enough to win two Big South tournaments and play in two NCAA Regionals.

Born: July 14th 1996 – Bristol, VA

Family: German Sheppard Niko and Kane

Hobbies: I deer/turkey hunt for Red Vanes Outdoors. Which is a TV Show. I am also the Co-Owner of the Show, and of course love playing golf, snowboarding and wakeboarding.

Would like to trade places for a day with: Nick Saban

Favorite Music: Country

Favorite Website: Beechmountain.com (Check the condition of the slopes)

Favorite Movie: American Sniper and Lone Survivor

Favorite Actor: Mark Wahlberg

Favorite MLB Team: Atlanta Braves

Favorite NFL Team: (None)

Favorite College Basketball Team: (None)

Favorite Quote: “When you want to succeed as bad as you want to breathe then you will be successful.” –Eric Thomas